BATTLE CREEK — About seven years ago, Arcadia Brewing Co. President and Founder Tim Suprise said business was at the point where he saw a light at the end of the tunnel and thought it was an oncoming train.

But a few timely decisions later, including breaking into new markets and re-branding the company, the Battle Creek brewery is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary and launch a major expansion in Southwest Michigan.

Arcadia, which brews British-style ales, will hold its “Highland Christmas” party starting with breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday and continuing until close. Arcadia made 603 barrels in 1996 and expects to make more than 10,000 barrels this year.

The light wasn’t as bad as Suprise originally thought.

“It was actually the light of day ... I’m thankful for having survived the difficult and lean times,” Suprise said. “This one will be a special anniversary to celebrate — an interesting ride to this point.”

View full sizeCourtesy photoThis is the new label for Arcadia Brewing Co.'s Cocoa Loco Stout.

The anniversary party will include food, live music, a Yard-of-Ale contest and the release of two specialty brews. Suggested donations are $3 before 4 p.m. and $5 after 4 p.m. Proceeds from admission will go to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan.

Eight years ago, Suprise took his beer into several new markets causing an increase in production numbers. Three years ago, Arcadia started a re-branding campaign that included new beer labels. Those moves have helped the brewery thrive, Suprise said.

After 50 percent growth during the past two years, he said the current brewery in downtown Battle Creek can no longer meet production demands for Arcadia beer, and he wants to build a new production facility in Southwest Michigan.

“We’re planning for an expansion in 2012, and that’s exciting,” he said.

One of the best spectator-friendly events at the party is the annual Yard-of-Ale contest where competitors will race to drink a yard of beer, or about 58 ounces. Brian Stinson holds the record at 12 seconds.

It also will mark the debut of two specialty ales for the occasion — sour ales called “XV” and “15.”

Head brewer Josh Davies took six wine barrels and six bourbon barrels and aged a brown ale with 30 pounds of Michigan cherries in each barrel for about eight or nine months. They will go on sale in 22-ounce bottles starting at noon Saturday. Bottles, which will be hand-dipped in wax, will sell for $15 each; cases also will be available, but they will be limited to one per customer. Arcadia has brewed enough for 116 cases, and bottles likely will be hard to find in stores.

“If you want this beer, you’ve got to come to the brewery to get it,” Suprise said.